In our community, we celebrate many different events. We should ask: What is the history behind these events? Why do people start them?
Some people feel less important and are amazed by Western culture. When something comes from the West, they accept it without thinking. That is a big reason why people adopt these events.
Today, young people are being influenced by Western ideas. The media encourages this. Our TV shows, movies, actors, and cricket players all promote Western ways. Because of this, being “educated” now often means knowing about Western movies, series, and lifestyles. People think that makes them “intellectual.”
In this whole process, religious people are called backward or old-fashioned. It’s even pointed out to them that you use microphones, cameras, lights, and mobile phones – all things invented by the West. But when it comes to celebrating their events, you people say it’s wrong!
In response to above, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Tarefe (may Allah protect him) reminds us that we should take the good from everything. We do not need to become exactly like others. For example, lions are brave – so be brave – but we don’t have to learn to tear meat apart raw. Dogs are loyal – so be loyal – but we don’t have to learn to bark.
Similarly, if the West has made real progress, we can learn from it. But in the name of progress, we should not call immoral behavior, bad language, or indecent clothes “progress.”
Also, by celebrating Halloween or Christmas, what new invention did we create? People who mock us for not inventing things should ask themselves: Did they invent anything new just by copying these events?
All of this needs to be understood deeply. Our young generation is caught up in TikTok and social media. In the name of “progress,” they are being pulled away from learning. But true progress comes from education.
